When to use polyquat?

[littleHeidi]

This was just a general question about when it was best to use polyquat and when it was best just to keep up with the bleach. I only referred to my current situation (as already posted elsewhere) for some background information. Is using polyquat ever advantageous or just a way for the pool places to accumulate more (unecessary) money?

[Watermom]

Some people do add it as a preventative. Others don't. I never use it except at closing and then I put in a double dose. If you are diligent at testing your water and keeping your chlorine at the appropriate levels, then you don't really ever need polyquat. In my opinion, why spend the money on something you don't really need. Of course, that is only my opinion. Some people do use it and that is fine, too.

Watermom

[littleHeidi]

So, it won't kill algae already there, just prevent new algae growing? I see now. Thanks!

[mwsmith2]

If you are diligent at testing your water and keeping your chlorine at the appropriate levels, then you don't really ever need polyquat.

From what i've experienced in the past few years, this isn't always true. Two summers ago, I was on bleach. I kept slugging it in there, but had to add poly to keep the mustard down. I figured this was from the "yo-yo" bleach levels I was getting. Last summer, I installed a SWC. I was able to easily keep my Cl at a constant 5+. I still had mustard. CYA was at 40 or so. I kept having to brush the pool every week. I slopped a quart of poly in there and *poof* the mustard went away for the rest of the season.

Yeah, surprised me too. I figured the high Cl would take care of bidnezz, but it didn't. I think once your water temps get high, even Cl won't hold it down.

Michael

[littleHeidi]

Thanks for the tip, Michael. The label isn't real clear on whether or not it clears up algae you already have. Good to know!

[littleHeidi]

After fighting the algae for two weeks and being told on here to just keep pouring the bleach in, I decided to use the polyquat. The NEXT day my water was clear as a bell and all I had to do was vacuum the dead stuff up. From now on, I'm starting off with the polyquat and saving all that money on bleach. (We wasted about $100 or more JUST on bleach.) Thank you, Michael so much for giving the push to use it!!!

[duraleigh]

Little Heidi,

Your heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has tried to help you over the last two years is so overwhelming I am tearing up just a little

Dave S.

[littleHeidi]

Why the sarcasm? I was being blasted for not following everyone's advice on here when I WAS. I used the polyquat like Michael suggested and was simply thanking him. I can't help the bleach didn't work for me like. I poured almost 50 gallons in there and was getting nowhere. I greatly appreciate this forum and all the help I've gotten from it. I apologize if you read anything else into my post.